From underdogs to huge favourites, Karanka says his players are aware of the importance of following up the result at Manchester United with a result at home to Charlton.

We look at reasons to be optimistic and cautious ahead of the game:

Optimistic - Buoyed by that cup victory

Aitor Karanka was quizzed about the team spirit ahead of the game at Wolves amid concerns that confidence was on the wane.

Fat chance of that being the case right now.

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Boro’s players must be absolutely buzzing after that result at Manchester United.

And while Karanka will have made it his priority to keep their feet on the ground, a hike in self-belief will benefit the side in the coming weeks.

Cautious - Wary of overconfidence

We’ve touched on Boro’s confidence after that incredible display at Old Trafford in midweek.

But that performance and result won’t equate to three points against Charlton - they need to put in another display that’s worthy of three points.

Boro players celebrate

Judging by Aitor Karanka’s comments in his pre-match press conference, there’s little chance of Boro’s players approaching this game with an air of arrogance after their midweek success.

“It’s a dangerous game,” he said.

It’s one Boro should win comfortably, but only if they approach it in the right manner.

Optimistic - Struggling opponents

When does a blip become a slump? When does a slump become a crisis?

Charlton fans must surely fear they’re in the middle of the latter after going 10 games without a win.

Since winning at Peterborough at the end of August, the Addicks have managed just two draws. The other eight games have ended in defeat.

They’re yet to win on the road, haven’t scored in their last three outings and have conceded six goals in their last two games - and they were against sides in the bottom half of the table.

Charlton are just a point off the bottom of the table. It’s got all the signs of a long, hard season.

Cautious - New manager syndrome?

Guy Luzon’s sacking came as no surprise, the appointment of Karel Fraeye came as a major surprise.

Charlton need some inspiration, whether Fraeye is the man to provide that has been seriously questioned by the club’s fans this week.

Ex-Charlton Athletic manager Guy Luzon

The 37-year-old’s previous employment was at VW Van Hamme, a Belgian third division side, where he won just two of 11 games.

Still, Charlton’s supporters, particularly those making the long trip to Teesside, need to clutch to some hope.

They’ll be hoping the new gaffer inspires an immediate response.

Optimistic - Boro’s response to big cup games last year

Aitor Karanka’s side don’t get it easy in the cup competitions: Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal last season; Manchester United this year.

But the way they followed up their cup performances against the three Premier League giants last term is promising.

The 0-0 draw against Charlton following the marathon at Liverpool wasn’t deemed to be a bad point at the time given the fact the Addicks were unbeaten.

Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka (Image: Nigel French/PA Wire)

Grant Leadbitter ensured Boro’s first outing after the historic Manchester City win was a crucial victory at Brentford and Boro battled from behind to pick up a point at Birmingham after the Arsenal game.

Boro need to keep pace at the top, hence the importance of following up an impressive cup display with three points.

Cautious - Shortage of goals?

Despite two impressive results in the last week, Boro have still failed to hit the net in four out of their last five outings.

It was understandable at Manchester United given the fact they were up against a strong Premier League backline - although Boro did create a number of opportunities - but the goal drought before the Wolves game was concerning.

Kike and David Nugent

Last time out at the Riverside Boro failed to break down a Fulham side who were playing for their manager’s future.

Boro don’t want to let any doubts creep in with another failure to hit the net on home turf.